The NFL offseason is heating up, and the latest trade rumors are sending ripples across the league. The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly on the verge of acquiring wide receiver George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with a sixth-round draft pick, in exchange for a third-round and fifth-round selection. This move comes after the Steelers made another significant acquisition, trading for D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. With Pickens now out of the picture, the Steelers are looking to fill the void, and New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has emerged as a potential target.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Lazard is “very much in play” for the Steelers as they seek to bolster their receiving corps. This comes at a pivotal moment as the Steelers await a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his future. Rodgers has been rumored to be considering a move to Pittsburgh, and his relationship with Lazard could make this trade even more appealing.
Rodgers and Lazard have a long history together, having played alongside each other both in Green Bay and New York. Florio emphasized the strong bond they share, stating, "Why Lazard? Because Rodgers completely and totally trusts him. And Lazard, for whatever reason, performs much better with Rodgers than he does without him." This trust factor is crucial for any quarterback-receiver relationship, especially as Rodgers approaches the twilight of his career at 41.
Lazard's performance last season reflects the ups and downs of his career. In 2024, he played in 12 games, recording 37 receptions for 530 yards and six touchdowns. His numbers were significantly impacted by the absence of Rodgers, who missed the entire 2023 season due to an Achilles injury. This year, Lazard was initially set to earn $11 million, but he agreed to a significant pay cut, bringing his 2025 salary down to $2.5 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed. This adjustment could make him a more attractive option for the Steelers, who are looking to fill the gap left by Pickens.
The Steelers' decision to trade Pickens, a talented wideout who had become somewhat expendable with the arrival of Metcalf, has left a notable hole in their receiving lineup. With Lazard's familiarity with Rodgers, adding him to the Steelers could provide a seamless transition as they look to upgrade their offense. However, the trade hinges heavily on Rodgers' decision to sign with Pittsburgh. Should he choose to play there, the addition of Lazard would not only enhance the offensive options but also provide Rodgers with a reliable target he knows well.
As it stands, the Steelers are exploring their options in the wake of the Pickens trade. While Lazard may not be the flashiest name available, his connection with Rodgers could make him a valuable asset in Pittsburgh's offensive scheme. Furthermore, with the NFL Draft now behind us, the Steelers may be limited in their options for acquiring a new receiver, making Lazard a sensible target.
For the Jets, the potential trade of Lazard signifies a shift in their roster strategy. While he was expected to be a starting receiver for the upcoming season, his performance has not met expectations, particularly during the 2023 season when he struggled without Rodgers. Fans have expressed disappointment, associating Lazard with dropped passes and penalties rather than the production expected from a starting wideout.
If the trade goes through, it is anticipated that the Jets would receive a late-round pick, likely a sixth or seventh-round selection, in return for Lazard. This would be a far cry from the expectations that came with his initial signing, where he agreed to a lucrative four-year, $44 million contract with the Jets in 2023. With the Jets potentially looking to cut their losses, moving Lazard could allow them to explore new options in free agency or the trade market to strengthen their receiving corps.
As the offseason progresses, the situation surrounding Lazard and Rodgers will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The Steelers are in a unique position, balancing the need to improve their roster while also waiting for a decision from one of the game's most influential quarterbacks. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications not only for the Steelers and Jets but also for the broader landscape of the NFL as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
In summary, the NFL offseason is rife with speculation and potential moves as teams position themselves for success. With the Cowboys acquiring Pickens and the Steelers eyeing Lazard, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh as they await Rodgers’ decision and the potential reshaping of their roster. Whether Lazard will make the move to Pittsburgh remains to be seen, but the connection between him and Rodgers could be a game-changer for the Steelers as they look to build a competitive team for 2025.
